Digital video recorder works off flash

The device allows for full recording capability of terrestrial, cable, satellite broadcasting and DVD/VCR/HDD recorder content from an analogue source directly onto a flash memory card.

A bonus for users is the fact that the memory card can be removed from the V-Mate and then inserted into a compatible portable playback device, including mobile phones, gaming consoles (especially PSP, Nintendo DS) and the Sansa e200-Series MP3 player (via a firmware upgrade in the last quarter of 2006).

“The V-Mate provides all the expected features and functionality of a modern video recorder, but promotes a new level of multi-media experience given its compatibility with other devices. Users can really now enhance their video-recorder experience. One doesn’t need to own a mobile video recorder – the flash memory card promotes secure, reliable ‘anywhere, anytime’ recording and playback,” says Gary Shap, MD of Tudor Photographic.

Key features include a graphical user interface on a TV screen to record, playback and change settings, scheduled recording based on channel, date and start/stop times including daily and weekly repeats; as well as slim design remote control.

The convergence of flash-based memory with digital product means that the user can access and experience TV shows, DVDs and CDs on the move. There is no need to ‘set up’ the video recorder, as it were.

Users have the option to record and replay material, digitise home videos and share video content with friends and family, with no worry about access to resources, power consumption or availability or other logistic considerations.

SanDisk Flash Memory card formats that are compatible and can be used with the product include: SD; Micro, MicroSD, Memory Stick Pro, Memory Stick Pro Duo, Mini SD with adapter, Ultra and Extreme.

Tudor expects the first shipment of this product to arrive in the last quarter of 2006.